You are not actually driving a virtual car. But you are piloting a camera through a photorealistic digital twin of the Earth. And right now, that is more than enough to scratch the itch for a lazy Sunday drive through Tokyo at midnight or a sunset cruise down the California coast.
Does it use Google Maps? Via mods (search "BeamNG Google Maps Importer"). Why it's hot: The soft-body physics are unmatched. Driving a realistic Google Maps city in BeamNG is currently the peak of the "hot 3D simulator" experience. 3d driving simulator in google maps hot
Ever wanted to take a road trip from the comfort of your couch—without the gas prices or traffic jams? The 3D Driving Simulator on Google Maps You are not actually driving a virtual car
The trend isn't a hoax. It is a brilliant misuse of a navigation tool. Does it use Google Maps